The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have changed course and are planning to get some playing time for quarterback Tony Romo before the regular season ends.
Romo is expected to play in Sunday’s regular season finale at Philadelphia, according to a report by ESPN.
The Cowboys did not immediately confirm the report.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously had said the risks to playing Romo outweighed any benefit to getting him into a game to improve his sharpness in case he’s needed during the postseason.
Romo has not played all season after suffering a preseason back injury that gave an opportunity to rookie quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott has led the Cowboys to a 13-2 record. They have clinched the top seed in the NFC playoffs and thus have nothing at stake against the Eagles. They will have an opening-round postseason bye and then will host an NFC semifinal on the second weekend of the playoffs.
Coach Jason Garrett played Prescott, tailback Ezekiel Elliott and other key starters Monday night at home against the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys were extremely sharp on offense and won, 42-21. Left tackle Tyron Smith left that game with a knee injury and will miss Sunday’s game but reportedly is expected to be ready for the playoffs.
The Cowboys also have quarterback Mark Sanchez on the roster and he could take the majority of the snaps Sunday if Prescott doesn’t play or exits early, even if Romo gets some playing time. The ESPN report said Prescott and Sanchez also are expected to play in Philadelphia.
Romo’s contract is to count $24.7 million against next season’s salary cap and he could be traded or released in the offseason for him to find a starting job elsewhere.